Part of what makes life fun is spontaneity! However, such spontaneity can make keeping a consistent routine difficult. I found that having only one morning routine left me feeling rushed and out of order when I had low-energy or lacked the same amount of time in the morning. When trying to start a routine, it can also feel defeating when you miss a day of your routines and habits due to the realities of life.
Different morning routines can allow you to confidently keep a routine even when there is a change in plans. Sometimes we have low-energy levels, have a random plan, or just need more sleep. In this post, I will provide you with my three morning routines as inspiration. I will also guide you in making your own unique set of routines.
The ambitionist routines
My three routines are categorized as 1) High-energy with a workout and shower, 2) Rest and refresh without a workout but with a shower, and 3) Lower energy and rest without a workout but with a quick shower (without washing my hair). The times in my routines are based on arriving at work at 8:30. I naturally adjust the times on days I do not have work.
As a reminder, the above routines are very specific to myself and my lifestyle. For me, showering in the morning adds a lot of time because I have to do my hair. On rushed mornings, I may not have time to wet my hair. I also have a pup, which adds a required task to my list.
how to make your own set of routines
1. Write out everything you have to do in the morning and what you would like to be able to do.
2. Determine when you need to be finished with your routine so that you can start work, leave your house, or just start your day.
3. You will make three routines. For me, they revolve around working out and showering because that takes the most time.
Routine 1 (Mornings with high energy and more time): Write out the order of everything you would do for your ideal morning. In my routine, time allows for a workout and shower.
Routine 2 (Mornings with less time but no big rush): Write out the order of things you would like to do when you have less time. You will probably have to take something out from your first routine. In my routine 2, this is when I only shower but don’t workout.
Routine 3 (Mornings where you need to maximize your rest and have less time): Write out the order of things you must do to be ready for your day. For me, this is when I skip a workout and don’t wash my hair and/or shower the night before. These morning are when I throw my hair in a claw clip or ponytail. If I don’t have time to journal/write affirmations/practice gratitude, I try to say affirmations or practice gratitude while I do my make up. We love habit stacking!!
4. Determine when you need to start work, leave your house, or just start your day. Work backwards from this time, allotting appropriate time slots for each habit or task.
5. Work out the kinks. You may have to redo the timing math or execute the routine a few times until it works for you.
REMEMBER the whole point of creating a morning routine is to add ease, simplicity, and relaxation to our mornings. If we put too much pressure on ourselves to stick exactly to one routine, it may lead us to spiral and throw every habit out the window on those low-energy, rushed mornings. Give yourself grace, create your routines, and build those routined habits! Soon enough it will come naturally 🙂
xoxo, the ambitionist
